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Signal bot: Getting started

Learn what Signal bots are, how to use them, and when they are best for your strategy. Includes setup, signal types, and trading conditions.

Updated this week

Signal bots let you automate trades using alerts from third-party services like TradingView or custom webhooks. Set conditions, configure trade rules, and trigger automated entries and exits — all without manual execution.

1. What is a Signal bot?

Signal bots are automated bots that open and close trades based on external signals. You can configure them to work with:

  • 📩 Custom Signal – using a webhook trigger from any external system or alert.

  • 📈 TradingView Strategy – based on Pine Script strategies that send alerts automatically.

Unlike DCA bots that open trades using technical indicators inside 3Commas, Signal bots listen for external triggers and execute trades instantly based on the rules you define.

2. When should I use a Signal bot?

Use Signal bots if:

  • You want precise control using your own strategy or third-party signals.

  • You have advanced entry/exit conditions from TradingView strategies.

  • You follow external signals (e.g., signal groups, Telegram bots, or other services).

  • You need faster, rules-based automation without manual chart analysis.

Tip: DCA bots are great for averaging in volatile markets. Signal bots are better when you know exactly when you want to open and close trades.

3. How to create a Signal bot

Accessing the bot launcher

You can create a new Signal bot in any of the following ways:

  • Click "+ Start new bot" at the top right and choose Signal bot

  • Or, go to the Signal bot section in your Bots page

  • Or, click the "+" beside “Signal bot”

4. Choose your Alert Type

You’ll first be asked to select your Alert Type:

Note: In Custom Signal mode, bots will ignore invalid signals. For example, a Long-only bot will ignore Short signals.

5. Configure main settings

After choosing your Alert Type, continue with the following:

  • Bot name – Give your bot a clear, descriptive name.

  • Exchange and pair – Choose supported exchanges and available trading pairs.

  • Direction – Long, Short, or Reversal (both).

  • Leverage (Futures only)

  • Max investment limits – Per bot and per trade.

  • Max active trades – To limit simultaneous positions.

  • Entry and Exit order settings

  • Take profit and stop loss settings

  • Reverse Position (optional)

  • Trailing stop or move to breakeven (optional)

See full breakdown: Signal Bot: Custom Signal Type

6. Add alerts from TradingView or other tools

To trigger the bot, you must connect it to a signal source.

7. Start your Signal bot

When all settings are configured, click Start to activate your bot.

Alternatively, save it for later without launching using the dropdown next to the Start button.

8. Common use cases

  • Triggering trades based on custom indicators not available on 3Commas

  • Using advanced multi-target Take Profits and trailing exits

  • Combining long and short strategies on Futures with hedge mode enabled

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